Project Description:
Early Reading First: Early Literacy Matters (ELM) Lynn, MA.
ABSTRACT NARRATIVE
In Partnership, the Lynn Public Schools, University of Massachusetts/Boston, and the Gregg Neighborhood House will create 8 preschool Centers of Excellence to work with 300 preschool children identified as ?at risk for academic failure.? Our project, Early Literacy Matters, will transform 17 center-based preschool classrooms in Lynn where 41 languages are spoken, 75% of pre-k to 5th graders speak a 1st language other than English or have limited English proficiency,and 16% receive special education services. ELM will offer an intense program of research based curricula using Opening the World of Learning Curriculum (OWL,professional development,and community/family involvement with intentional instruction proven to enrich children?s learning experiences.Professional development combined with an early literacy-coach program; onsite consultation with nationally recognized faculty; university-based coursework for college credit; and in-class support to ensure high quality classroom practice will provide a basis for SBRR strategies to build a bridge between research and practice. Three well established, highly respected Lynn institutions?Operation Bootstrap, North Shore Community College and the Lynn Public Library?will offer comprehensive services to increase families? knowledge of and support for children?s literacy development and a contextually rich summer program. UMASS/Boston will collaborate with Early Childhood Associates, a New England based national training and research small womenownedbusiness, to implement the early literacy training Steps to Success to 6 Early Literacy Coaches who will provide ongoing classroom-based coaching to teachers. ELM will build acoherent instructional framework from pre-k through grade 3 and link current strategic planning initiatives including the MA Pre-K to 3rd grade alignment project, the Quality Full Day Kindergarten Grant, the Universal Preschool Grant, and the City?s two Reading First Programs.
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English
